Forging Silver Into Stars Book 3: Sparking Fire Out of Fate by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Forging Silver Into Stars Book 3

Broken loyalties. Uncertain fates. Two kingdoms hanging in the balance. . . The exhilarating finale in bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer's Forging Silver series will leave readers breathless!

Callyn has grown closer to Queen Lia Mara in Syhl Shallow, bonded by the secret magic they share. But their magic can stay hidden only so long, especially when a dangerous plot on the Queen's life forces Callyn to work with the man who betrayed her.

In Emberfall, Tycho and Jax are struggling to rebuild their connection after months apart, complicated when they learn of Truthbringers causing trouble at the borders. Sent to investigate together, Jax and Tycho soon discover that the rebellious faction has formed a devil's bargain with the magical scravers to destroy human magic once and for all.

When their missions bring them together, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn find themselves facing threats from all sides. With one last chance to save their magic and their kingdoms, they must work together, or lose everything.

War has erupted. Love is tested. And without sacrifice, magic could destroy everyone . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228539437-sparking-fire-out-of-fate

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It feels like I have been waiting forever for this book and it has finally arrived! The conclusion to Tycho, Jax, and Callyn’s story is here and it was a great way to end this trilogy. Tycho and Jax are reunited but things are strained between them after being apart for so long. As they find their way back to one another, they are sent on a mission together to learn what the Truthbringers are currently doing. Turns out, nothing good. They’ll have to find a way to alert the king and queen, and stop these rebels for good before they cause more harm. Meanwhile, Callyn has her own problems with Alek but they are aligned when it comes to protecting Queen Lia Mara. They don’t know who to trust but they realize despite the hurt between them, deep down they trust one another. And it is just what they need to fix what happened between them as well. Everyone will be reunited and it’s a final battle to save their kingdoms. A great way to end the series! It’s been a fun world to be in and I loved getting to know all these new characters in this series as well as seeing so many familiar faces. It’s a great world and I’m sad to see we have reached the end. Great series!

Hidden Legacy Book 6.5: Beast Business by Ilona Andrews

 

Hidden Legacy Book 6.5

Augustine Montgomery is an Illusion Prime who owns a premier PI corporation and alters his appearance with magic. The people who have seen Augustine’s real face can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The people who witnessed the full extent of his power are dead. The illusion isn’t just the brand of his magic. It’s become his lifestyle.

Show as little as possible. Make them think that illusion is all you have. Your life depends on it.

Augustine lives by this creed. He’s cold, rational, and calculating. He doesn’t get emotionally involved. Then one day Diana Harrison walks into his office and asks for his help. Diana is a Prime, an animal mage who bonds with animals through her magic and prefers their company to humans. Something precious has been stolen from House Harrison. Something Diana must recover at all costs.

The two Houses are allied through a friendship pact. Assisting Diana is simply good business. And yet, there is something about her that disturbs the careful balance of Augustine’s inner world.

Neither of them is who they appear to be. Both would die to keep their secrets. But the enemy they face is more powerful than either had imagined, and saving the life that hangs in the balance will demand the ultimate price neither Augustine nor Diana ever anticipated to pay – complete honesty.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247307972-beast-business

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The Hidden Legacy series is my favorite from this author. I love being back in this world and am constantly wishing for more stories. This novella about Augustine was not enough! I wish it was longer, though it was perfect for a novella. I wish it was getting a sequel though it seems the authors won’t be doing so. And I am still team Arabella needs a series but alas, still another thing not happening. But I’ll hold out hope! This story was a great way to come back into the world even for a brief time. Cameos from a few friendly faces but mostly we finally get a story about Augustine. And we get an even better look at Diana. Diana comes to Augustine for help. Their Houses are allies and what she asks has to stay between them for a number of reasons. But they are in the search for a very precious something that was stolen from Diana. We get a way better look at their abilities and who they are. And the chemistry between these two are wild. Like I said, definitely needed more after that ending. It’s such an interesting world and gets more so with every new book. Overall, great story! I’m definitely itching for a reread and just more in general.

Deaf Hearts Book 3: Pah! by EM Lindsey & Cora Rose

 

Deaf Hearts Book 3

Whoever convinced me that sleeping with the hot co-owner of PUMPT Gym was a good idea should be tied to a tree and left in the woods to rot.

Too bad I'm the only one to blame.

There’s something about Dex that captured my attention the moment I first saw him, and no matter what I do, I can’t get him out of my head.

But there’s one tiny problem.

He's hearing.

And he doesn’t sign.

Oh, and he’s also the brother of the guy my ex is in love with.

But while three years working in another country with an ocean between us should have cured my addiction, the second I see Dex again, he’s all I want. And this time, it’s worse. This time, he’s learned my language, and he uses his hands to tell me exactly what he thinks of me.

And exactly what he wants to do when he gets his hands on me.

And his lips.

And his tongue.

In spite of my own rules against dating men like him, I find myself wanting to break down all the walls I’ve built up. But will giving in to Dex make me the world’s biggest hypocrite?

Or will I be making the best decision of my life?

PAH! is the third book in the Deaf Hearts series and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. It’s a spicy, MM, enemies to lovers rom-com featuring a burnt out, Deaf corporate cog with a country-sized chip on his shoulder, a hearing, sexy-sweet, gym owning himbo who is learning to take what he wants, especially when it’s offered, bad dates, better dates, A+ dates, light stalking, and a happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243053831-pah

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve been looking forward to this story! Robbie definitely didn’t come off as super likable in previous books. So I’ve been excited to finally get in his head and learn more about him. Especially when we learn that he gets with Dex! After a relationship that ended badly, Robbie swore to not dating hearing people. The language barrier is too much and he has been burned before. But then there is Dex. Something about him grabs Robbie’s attention and it just makes him angry to feel this pull toward someone he swore he wouldn’t date. Dex may be trying to learn ASL but it’s not enough. At least, Robbie doesn’t think so. Not at this moment. Doesn’t stop them from some very angry hook ups that leave them burning for more. But one problem. The last time it happens, Dex may make Robbie promise to stay, but in the morning, he’s gone. Worse? He left for France and is supposed to be gone for three years. Talk about ouch! Now, the years have passed and Robbie returns home. And neither have moved past the feelings they have for one another. But Dex won’t let Robbie get away with walking away this time. And Robbie isn’t strong enough to stay away. Especially when Dex is way more fluent and has shown Robbie just how much has changed and yet he still wants Robbie. Adored these two! I loved that Dex didn’t let Robbie just get away with how much he hurt him when he left. And that he really made Robbie try harder when it came to the two of them. Dex deserves someone who is willing to try. And for Robbie, he needed that push. He needed to see that Dex was different than his past and that he wanted to be different with Dex too. I loved watching these two open up to one another and finally get together after all that time! We also get introduced to some pretty interesting new characters in what appears to be a new series connected to this one. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Contractually Yours by Crea Reitan

 

Sign your love away…

Enfield

I never wanted an arranged marriage but to continue the spoiled lifestyle I live and support my three children, I sign on the dotted line with a plan to get what I want and ditch the wife. My parents have other plans and the woman I’m contracted to turns out to be a man. I’m livid.

Xavi

I’ve been looking forward to this day for years. After watching six older brothers get their happy endings, all I want is mine. But the man who walks through my door is angry, mean, and not interested. My happy ending is heartbreak instead.

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This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244503071-contractually-yours

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

We’ve been teased about Xavi and Enfield’s story before, but now we get to see it for ourselves at last! In Xavi and Enfield’s worlds, marriage contracts are a thing. Something families have down for generations. Something they both knew they would have to do one day. But the two of them have had very different expectations and experiences with the traditions. For Xavi, he has watched it work on his many siblings and they all are living their happily ever afters. He just wants his own. Does he agree with everything in the contract? No, but he doesn’t have much of a choice and he’ll make the sacrifice. But for Enfield, he has spent the last thirteen years fighting the contracts. He wants his inheritance, he wants his birthright. Being forced to marry with some pretty insane rules is the last thing he wants. So he has spent his time finding every loophole he can and acting out in the hope his parents will finally stop and listen. And it isn’t working. He is tired. When his friend/lawyer finds a possible solution, Enfield decides to try. Even if that means signing a contract even temporarily. But what he doesn’t realize is that his parents have set him up with a man. And he’s straight. Enfield has been pushed just a bit too much this time. But this may end up being the best thing that has happened to him in a while. Because even though Enfield and Xavi start off rocky, there is something stirring between them and they just may find that their futures could be their own if they want it to. This ended up being so great! I was so curious about these two and how they got to where we see them in other books. And just in general how they could fall for one another considering what was going on in their lives. I loved seeing cameos from other characters we know and love. And I love that these two get what they both always wanted in the end and more. Great story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

New York Legends Book 2: Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen

 

New York Legends Book 2

A hockey team captain and a bubbly staffer mix business with pleasure when they start fake dating through the wedding season in this hot sports romance perfect for fans of Mariana Zapata​ and Elle Kennedy. 

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242445304-big-stick-energy

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve been so excited to read Darcy and Eric’s story, and it did not disappoint! It was clear from the previous book that Darcy had some feelings for Eric. And when she sends a message to her best friend about her fantasy about Eric she soon realizes that she didn’t actually send the message to Zoe but to Eric himself. Though she is most definitely mortified, it may end up being the best thing she has ever done. Turns out Eric needed a bit of a wake up call when it came to Darcy. Eric and Darcy have worked together for years and it’s very clear that Eric has paid attention to Darcy. But Eric is anything but selfish. He puts others before him all the time and spends so much of his energy being the best captain he can be. Doing things from himself? Not really a thing. But the message is the start of something. Especially when he realizes that the two of them will be going to the same wedding this summer. Cue the family drama for them both. What starts as being one another’s date to fake dating, is just the beginning glimpse of what they could be together if they give themselves the chance. For Eric, he has never really dated. Never found someone who made him want to ask for more. And for Darcy, growing up she has seen what it looks like when things go bad. Can they be brave enough to take the risk? I loved these two! They were so much fun and had amazing chemistry. I loved that they were friends and how this one trip really gave them a chance to realize how much they knew one another and how much more there was to learn. They just worked together so well. And these two were clearly falling hard for one another from the start, yet neither would admit it. Another great book in this series! We have some great characters and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sins of the Father Book 3: Sweet Obsession by Riley Hart

Sins of the Father Book 3

Rory

I’m beginning to unravel.

When I meet Shai Burrows, he intrigues me enough that he has me stalking him, following him, watching him.

And when I find out he’s the one who robbed me, instead of handling business, it only makes me obsess over him even more.

But I can’t just let him get away with that, so we cut a deal. Shai will work off what he owes me, with his body, something he’s as eager about as I am. Because after that first touch, our worlds collide.

We get off on danger and seek trouble we’re not supposed to find. He craves my body, and though I don’t understand it, I know I want him by my side.

He’s my obsession, and I can’t help but want more.

In fact, I want it all.

And I’ll take it.

Our world is violent and chaotic. I’ve always reveled in that, but I’m risking it all now. I need to learn control because if I lose him, no one will be able to pull me back from the edge.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240502498-sweet-obsession

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It’s Rory’s turn! He has finally met his perfect match and who would have thought it was the guy that robbed him? Rory is chaotic and wild and sometimes he can lose himself in the darkness but the right person, like his best friend, can bring him back. There are just a lot of layers to Rory. And finding someone who gets that, gets him, is hard to find. They need to care for him but also understand his relationship with his best friend and his best friend’s boyfriend too. Rory and his made family have deep bonds. Ones that will never break. They have one another’s back for anything. And when Rory meets Shai, he is surprised by the obsession he immediately feels toward him. Especially when Rory lets Shai close to his family. But the thing is, Shai understands Rory. And while Rory may think he doesn’t understand love, being with Shai? He begins to figure it out. Shai is used to having no one. His mom may be the only person in his life that he cares about, but the way she acts is anything like a mom should be. And Shai turns into the adult in their relationship. But he’ll do anything to protect his mom. Even if it means doing something he probably shouldn’t be doing. But it leads him to Rory. And the more he gets to know Rory, the more they just get one another and just can’t stay away from each other. I loved their chaotic dynamic, yet they ground one another at the same time too. I love their relationship with each other and the one they had will Cillian and Ollie too. These two deserve someone who will always be in their corner and never ask the other to change. It was fun to see Shai match Rory’s chaos but at the same time knowing when to reel him in. Action, violence, humor, and lots of romance, this was everything I could have hoped for in Rory’s story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Crown of Hearts & Chaos Book 1: Hollow by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

 

Crown of Hearts & Chaos Book 1

Don’t listen to the whispers of the woods.

Don’t trust the man cloaked in shadow.

Don’t earn the wrath of the scattered spirits.

Don’t go out after dark.

The Great Hunt begins once every fifty years and only the Champions willing to face death to shatter the curse dare to enter.

The Champions…and me.

I’m no warrior, no swordsmith, and certainly no Fae, but the forest is my only hope. To enter those trees is to walk willingly to my demise. But I need the boon the forest will grant the winner and I’m willing to risk it all for a chance at claiming it.

I just never expected to face him beneath those trees. The beast who strikes fear into the desperate people of all lands. The monster who commands the legion of Hollows and makes our plight a thousand times worse.

The Hollows are empty of all things but none are so heartless as him.

Prince Bane intends to be the death of me. But I have an oath to fulfil before I’ll let him have me. And I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve it.

I am Ferris Creed and I’m going to unite the lost spirits who once bound the wandering trees in place, return the scattered amulets to the core of its corruption, and use the winner’s boon to change my fate. Come wretchedness or torment, through trickery and deception, I will get what I came here for. And no one will stand in my way. Not even Prince Bane.

*** Hollow is a dark Romantasy from the bestselling authors of Zodiac Academy, Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. It is a heady cocktail of Summoners, seduction and spirits, set to get your heart racing and feet kicking. There will be a ruinous, black hearted love interest, a rebellious, ruthless FMC, plot twists, cliff hangers, dark humour and a healthy seasoning of make-you-blush spice. It is not for the faint of heart. All those who enter the forest are bound by its terms – will you walk willingly into the dark? ***

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222472678-hollow

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A new world of magic written by the Twisted Sisters and it’s another I’m going to really enjoy exploring! There is a curse is desperate need of breaking. Every fifty years the Great Hunt occurs. Champions go into the cursed woods with the goal to collect the thirteen spirits and bring them to the Great Elm. Whoever brings the most will not only break the curse but receive a boon. And that is something Ferris needs desperately. She has secretly prepared to go into the woods to begin the quest but never expects to be literally dragged into it. Death and danger surround her at every turn. With a limited amount of time, Ferris will have to find a way to survive. And meeting a Fae by the name of Hendrix is the last thing she wants. Enemies to reluctant allies, together they hunt for the spirits. But there is more to Hendrix than meets the eye and in the end only one can claim victory. This was a fun and dark new world to explore. The magic is very different than what I’ve read from these authors so far and I’ve really enjoyed getting to see their new take on magic and Fae. Ferris was a fierce and clever woman who has a way with the forest and spirits. And Hendrix while we can guess who he is and what he does, there is still a lot more to him than we know. This is just the beginning of what I think is going to be a really interesting series. And I can’t wait to see what happens next.